President Muhammadu Buhari has
assured that his administration’s goal of building an inclusive, secured and
prosperous Nigeria is achievable in the next four years.

Speaking when he received a
delegation from Nasarawa State, led by Gov. Abdullahi Sule, at the Presidential
Villa, Abuja, Buhari said his administration remains committed to the Change
Agenda.

He, however, stressed the need
for states and local governments as well as traditional and religious leaders
to partner with the Federal Government in achieving success, NAN reports.

According to Buhari: “In the next
four years, I want to assure you that we will remain committed to the change
agenda. Our goal of building an inclusive, secure and prosperous Nigeria is
achievable.

“However, the federal government
cannot do it alone. We need the full cooperation and support of states, local
governments as well as traditional and religious leaders.

“I must commend you the Nasarawa
elders and leaders for maintaining peace within the state. In the last four
years, you collectively put aside your political, religious and ethnic
differences for the interest of stability and prosperity.

“You must continue to preach
peace and understanding in your various communities,’’ he said.

The president, who noted that the
responsibility of governance was enormous, pledged that his administration
would continue to pay greater attention towards enhancing security, inclusive
economic empowerment and fighting corruption.

“In all these areas we have made
progress despite the significant challenges we faced,’’ he said.

On the incessant conflicts
between herders and farmers, the president said his administration was
determined to finding a lasting solution to the conflict.

“I implore all leaders of opinion
to help maintain peace while we are putting in place policies and permanent
solutions.

“Just last week, I inaugurated
the national economic council during that meeting, I emphasized the need to
invest in education, primary health care, agriculture and security as
foundations for sustainable progress.

“I want to use this forum to
again soliciting the support of all states to align with those four pillars. We
must all have a collective vision for sustainable development.”

Buhari, who noted with delight
that the federal government’s projects in Nasarawa state have been impacting
positively on citizens of the state, thanked the state government for proposing
to name an academic institution after him in the state.

He, however, said: “I will make
consultations and revert to you in due course.”

While congratulating the state
governor, deputy governor and all the newly elected officials from Nasarawa
state on their recent electoral victory in the polls, the president commended
the immediate past governor of the state, Alhaji Tanko Al-Makura, for his
steadfastness, commitment and the enormous hard work in the state.

“I wish him (Al-Makura) well in
his new assignment,’’ he added.

The state governor had earlier
expressed appreciation to the Buhari administration for executing
people-oriented programmes and projects in Nasarawa state.

“These projects include the
dualization of Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi road and the 330 KV and 132 KV power
distribution injection transmission stations.

“Others are the federal
government prototype housing estate at Akruba near Lafia and the takeover of
the Farin Ruwa hydro power project, which is going to generate about 20
Megawatts of power among others geared towards the growth and development of
Nasarawa state and the nation.

“This is the first time Nasarawa
state is lucky to benefit from the benevolence of the federal government by way
of sighting projects and programmes very dear to the survival of our people.

“We feel highly recognised,
appreciated and no doubt, given the sense of belonging.’’

He also lauded the President for
appointing indigenes of the State into key positions, like the Inspector
General of Police and the Director General of the National Youth Service corps
(NYSC).

He, therefore pledged the
continued support of the people of the state to the Buhari-led administration.